In an attempt to make the subject of Pennsylvania long rifles less confusing to newbies, I have added several web pages that explain basic concepts. This is one such page, and it explores the meaning of the word "school" that is often encountered in books and articles about Pennsylvania long rifles.
Although the word "school" is frequently used to reference an educational institution, if you look in an unabridged dictionary you will find numerous other definitions. When used in the context of long rifles, the relevant dictionary definitions are not particularly obvious. Furthermore, if all you have is an abridged dictionary, the relevant definitions may not even be included.
Since the relevant dictionary definitions are confusing and hard to find, here is what I think the word "school" means in the context of long rifles:
1. Style.
2. A group of gunmakers whose guns are similar in style.
3. A group of guns that are similar in style.
Here are sentences using the above definitions:
Using Definition 1: The graceful S shape and high forward curving spur exemplify the hammer geometry of the Bedford School.
Using Definition 2: The Bedford School includes men such as John Amos, Daniel Border, William Defibaugh, and Jacob Stoudenour.
Using Definition 3: This rifle has many of the classic features of the Bedford School.
Kindig's 1960 book "Thoughts on the Kentucky Rifle in its Golden Age" may be the first publication to use the term "school" in the context of groups of long rifles that are similar in style. Part II of his book features photographs of rifles from what he describes as the Lancaster, Bethlehem, Womelsdorf-Reading, Lebanon, Dauphin, York, Littlestown, Emmitsburg, and Chambersburg schools. Since then, collectors have identified additional long rifle schools, such as the Bedford school.
L. Dietle, October 19, 2023
Some pre-1960 examples of the use of the word "school" in the context of design
An 1894 reference to schools of design from antiquity
An 1872 reference to the evolution of schools of artistic endeavor from antiquity
Visit the gunsmith project index
The use of the word "school" in the context of design predates Kindig's 1960 book. For example, see the references to Gothic, Byzantine, and Rococo schools in the context of furniture hardware design in the following excerpt from the July, 1894 issue of the "Hardware Dealer" magazine.
The following excerpt is from half-volume II of the 1872 book "The Popular Encyclopedia..."
